Month: August 2026

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Successfully Defends at 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

August 19, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Successfully Defends at 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania (August 19, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, successfully defended his title at the 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, having held at least a share of the lead following each round at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club. Shattuck ended the championship with rounds of 64-66-68–198, 18-under-par, to better charging Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, by six strokes. It is the first time a PGA Member has successfully defended at the Section Championship since Alex Knoll in 2020. 

One-hundred-fifty of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s best players competed for the William B. Packer Trophy and a berth into the 2027 PGA Professional Championship, ​​April 25-28, at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida. From there, PGA Members from the 41 PGA Sections will compete to join the Corebridge Financial Team and earn a berth into the 2027 PGA Championship, May 17-23, on the Fields Ranch East Course at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. Philadelphia PGA Professionals vyed for 10 spots to compete in next year’s PGA Professional Championship. Braden Shattuck and Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol have already secured spots thanks to winning the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and competing on this year’s U.S. PGA Cup Team, respectively. 

Shattuck’s final round featured seven birdies and two bogeys. While he maintained his lead throughout the day, Barbin made a valiant effort to catch him, breaking Whitemarsh Valley’s course record, set by Gary Player (1963), Raymond Floyd (1975), and Tom Kite, (1978). Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC Moorestown, shot a 64 in the first round of the 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. Barbin finished with 10-under-par 62.

“It feels pretty awesome,” Shattuck said after being asked how it feels to win back-to-back Philadelphia PGA Professional Championships. “Before [last year], I finished runner-up three times in a row, so it’s a good feeling to catch a little string of first-place finishes.” 

Shattuck said that he was pleased with how he played in the final round. 

“With three rounds, mathematically speaking, I have a better chance than in a one-round shootout. Being able to play consistently and steadily grow the lead is a little easier for me than going out and trying for a career round.”

Shattuck went on to thank his wife, Veoletta, for being his rock, the Rolling Green Golf Club membership and staff, the teams at Whitemarsh Valley and Sandy Run and their memberships, and Pete Lovenguth for letting him borrow his range finder for the week.

Shattuck will lead 11 fellow Philadelphia PGA Members to the 2027 PGA Professional Championship: Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club (2); Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club (T3); Tony Perla, Huntingdon Valley Country Club (T3); Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club (5); Zac Oakley, Bidermann Golf Club; Anthony Sebastianelli, Whitford Country Club (T6); Parks Price, Bent Creek Country Club (T8); Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort (T8); Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford Country Club (T10); Joanna Coe, Merion Golf Club (T10); and Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC Moorestown (T10). Trevor Bensel, LuLu Country Club (T14), is first alternate, followed by Michael Little, Clubhouse 54 (T14); Alex Knoll, Glen Brook Golf Club (T14); Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek Country Club (T16); and Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club (T16). 

Editor’s Note: Barbin’s 62 was one off the lowest rounds recorded in a Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, set by Al Besselink (61) in 1960 at Bala Golf Club in 1960. Alex Knoll also shot a 62 at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in 2019.

View the full 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by supported by Club Car, Corebridge Financial, and Rolex, and is supported by Gallagher, Golf Channel, the PGA Tour, ShipSticks, Titleist / FootJoy, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea, Mid-Atlantic Golf Cars, StrackaLine, and SCNS Sports Foods. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, hosts Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club, their memberships, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event is the Jack Jolly & Son Championship at Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, on August 31.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Defending Champion Braden Shattuck Leads 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Entering Final Round

August 18, 2026Comments Off on Defending Champion Braden Shattuck Leads 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Entering Final RoundPPGA

Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania (August 18, 2026) — The 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship continued today at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club, with defending champion Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, leading entering the final round. 

One-hundred-fifty of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s best players are competing for the William B. Packer Trophy and a berth into the 2027 PGA Professional Championship, ​​April 25-28, at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida. From there, PGA Members from the 41 PGA Sections will compete to join the Corebridge Financial Team and earn a berth into the 2027 PGA Championship, May 17-23, on the Fields Ranch East Course at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. Philadelphia PGA Professionals are vying for 10 spots to compete in next year’s PGA Professional Championship. Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck and Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol have already secured spots thanks to winning the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and competing on this year’s U.S. PGA Cup Team, respectively. 

Shattuck followed up his opening round 64 at Sandy Run with an impressive 66 today at Whitemarsh Valley, putting him at 14-under-par, three strokes in front of Huntingdon Valley Country Club’s Tony Perla, PGA.

“I hit it great today,” Shattuck said following his round. “I kept track of my proximity to the hole today, and I hit 10 shots within 10 feet.” 

He went on to say that patience will be key for tomorrow’s final round.

“If I keep hitting it

, I’ll continue to get more opportunities for birdies.”

The last Philadelphia PGA Professional to successfully defend at the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship was Glen Brook Golf Club’s Alex Knoll (2019, 2020). 

Brett Walker of Chester Valley Golf Club is in third place at 7-under-par, followed by Whitford Country Club’s Anthony Sebastianelli at 6-under-par. Four PGA Members are tied for fifth place at 5-under-par: Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Trevor Bensel, LuLu Country Club.

View the full 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The low 60 players (including ties) will tee off in the final round, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19 at 8:00 a.m., at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club. Follow the action via our live scoring by visiting golfgenius.com/pages/5830130. Members of the media are welcome onsite to cover the championship.

The 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by supported by Club Car, Corebridge Financial, and Rolex, and is supported by Gallagher, Golf Channel, the PGA Tour, ShipSticks, Titleist / FootJoy, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea, Mid-Atlantic Golf Cars, StrackaLine, and SCNS Sports Foods. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, hosts Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club, their memberships, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professionals Perla, Shattuck, and Kogelman Co-Lead 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Following Opening Round

August 17, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professionals Perla, Shattuck, and Kogelman Co-Lead 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Following Opening RoundPPGA

Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania (August 17, 2026) — The 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is underway at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club, and Tony Perla of Huntingdon Valley (Pennsylvania) Country Club, defending champion Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, and Joe Kogelman of GOLFTEC Moorestown in Maple Shade, New Jersey, are tied atop the leaderboard at 8-under-par. Perla and Shattuck fired 64s at Sandy Run, while Kogelman played at Whitemarsh Valley and also shot 64. 

One-hundred-fifty of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s best players are competing for the William B. Packer Trophy and a berth into the 2027 PGA Professional Championship, ​​April 25-28, at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida. From there, PGA Members from the 41 PGA Sections will compete to join the Corebridge Financial Team and earn a berth into the 2027 PGA Championship, May 17-23, on the Fields Ranch East Course at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. Philadelphia PGA Professionals are vying for 10 spots to compete in next year’s PGA Professional Championship. Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck and Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol have already secured spots thanks to winning the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and competing on this year’s U.S. PGA Cup Team, respectively. 

“I didn’t really get myself into trouble, [and] I didn’t try to overpower the golf course,” Perla said following his round. “I only missed one green in regulation, which made it easier for me to make birdies, and I just ran with a hot putter.”

The scoring average at Sandy Run was nearly four strokes lower than that at Whitemarsh Valley. 

“I didn’t drive the ball [very well], but I pretty much made every putt,” said Kogelman. “Hopefully I do the same thing tomorrow.” 

Shattuck said his game plan for tomorrow’s round at Whitemarsh is to avoid the well-placed bunkers that lurk around the course.

Union League Liberty Hill’s Billy Stewart is in fourth place at 7-under-par, while Whitford Country Club’s Anthony Sebastianelli is in fifth place, two stroke behind the leaders. Two-time champion Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club, lurks at 5-under-par, followed by three PGA Members tied for seventh place at 4-under: Mike Meisenzahl, Tavistock Country Club; Parks Price, Bent Creek Country Club; and Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club. 

View the full 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The second round continues tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18 at 8:00 a.m. at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club. The low 60 players and ties will advance to the final round on Wednesday, August 19 at Whitemarsh Valley. Follow the action via our live scoring by visiting golfgenius.com/pages/5830130. Members of the media are welcome onsite to cover the championship.

The 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by supported by Club Car, Corebridge Financial, and Rolex, and is supported by Gallagher, Golf Channel, the PGA Tour, ShipSticks, Titleist / FootJoy, Callaway, Nike, TaylorMade, Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea, Mid-Atlantic Golf Cars, StrackaLine, and SCNS Sports Foods. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, hosts Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run Country Club, their memberships, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Announces Partnership with Sun Cruiser

August 14, 2026Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Announces Partnership with Sun CruiserPPGA

Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania (August 4, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce a new partnership with Sun Cruiser, naming the iced tea vodka brand an official partner through the 2027 season.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Sun Cruiser will serve as the presenting partner for several Philadelphia PGA Section events, including the 105th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club and Sandy Run country club on August 17-19, the Fall Pro-Pro Championship at Union League National Golf Club on October 12, the PGA REACH Philadelphia Foundation Pro-Am at Union League National Golf Club on October 22, and the Fall Membership Meeting at Jericho National Golf Club on October 19. The partnership will also feature Sun Cruiser Closest-to-the-Pin contests and promotional opportunities throughout the season.

“We are excited to welcome Sun Cruiser as an official partner of the Philadelphia PGA Section,” said Geoff Surrette, Executive Director. “As one of the leading ready-to-drink brands on the market we are excited to help grow their engagement in the golf space. We look forward to working with Kurt, George, and the entire Sun Cruiser team as they activate at a number of Section events during the 2026 and 2027 seasons.”

“There’s nothing better than cracking open an ice-cold Sun Cruiser on the course – and this partnership allows more drinkers across Philadelphia PGA to do just that,” said Erica Taylor, senior brand director for Sun Cruiser. “Whether it’s a big tournament, a casual round with friends or a stop at the clubhouse afterward, we’re looking forward to helping golfers let the good times cruise all season long.”

About Sun Cruiser
Made for those who enjoy the sun on their face and hanging outdoors with friends, Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka and Sun Cruiser Lemonade & Vodka are made with real ingredients and premium vodka for a perfect choice to sip and share. At just 100 calories, 4.5% ABV per 12 oz serving, 1 gram of sugar, and no bubbles to weigh you down, Sun Cruiser has just a kiss of sweetness and tastes refreshingly smooth in a mix of delicious flavors. Drinkers can enjoy a variety of Sun Cruiser flavors, including Classic Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Raspberry Iced Tea, Lemonade + Iced Tea, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Blueberry Lemonde and Strawberry Lemonade. For more information, follow along on social @DrinkSunCruiser and visit us at drinksuncruiser.com.

Want Sun Cruiser available at your course? Please reach out to the following Boston Beer team to learn more:

Eastern PA- @Lopiccolo, Cristeina : Cristeina.lopiccolo@bostonbeer.com Central PA- @Laferty, Jaci : Jaci.Laferty@bostonbeer.com Central/South Jersey – @Backus, Pat : pat.backus@bostonbeer.com Delaware- @Backus, Pat: pat.backus@bostonbeer.com

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Dave Quinn Leads Laurel Creek to Victory in Weather-Shortened 2026 Rolling Green Team Stableford Championship Presented by Parx Casino®, Moyer and Oakley

August 10, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Dave Quinn Leads Laurel Creek to Victory in Weather-Shortened 2026 Rolling Green Team Stableford Championship Presented by Parx Casino®, Moyer and OakleyFeatured, PPGA

Springfield, Pennsylvania (August 10, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey, led his team of amateurs, Mark Walker, Anthony Aulfo, and Mike Okeef, to a Net victory in the weather-shortened 2026 Rolling Green Team Stableford Championship, Presented by Parx Casino® and Moyer, at Rolling Green Golf Club. 

Severe weather moved into the area in the late afternoon, which resulted in a shortened event to include 12 holes. The winning team finished with 62 points from the Modified Stableford format, which included 5 points for a Double Eagle, 4 for an Eagle, 3 for an Birdie, 2 for a Par, and 1 point for a Bogey or worse. The winners bettered the John F. Byrne Golf Course team by two points: Anthony Hoffman, William Hyndman IV, Joseph Diacovo, and Nick Gill. The Springhaven Club’s Ben Debski, PGA, Jim Murray, Brian Fili, and Jimmy Murray finished in third place with 58 points.

Quinn’s Laurel Creek team also won the Gross Division with 58 points, finishing one point ahead of Concord Country Club’s Michael Strain, PGA, Matthew Sullivan, Luke Shevlin, and Steve Kollias; and three ahead of DuPont Country Club’s Mike Caldwell, PGA, Alex Bilinski, Brian Davis, and Buddy Simmons.

View the full 2026 Rolling Green Team Stableford Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The 2026 Rolling Green Team Stableford Championship is presented by Parx Casino® and Moyer, and is supported by Oakley. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals also thank our host, Rolling Green Golf Club, their membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Playing Through: Scott Reilly, PGA

August 6, 2026Comments Off on Playing Through: Scott Reilly, PGAFeatured, PPGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s web series, “Playing Through,” where PGA of America Golf Professionals, Section staff, Section partners, and other industry professionals are asked 18 questions about their lives and careers.

This episode features PGA of America Member Scott Reilly, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. The club is hosting next week’s U.S. Amateur Championship alongside Merion Golf Club.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click here.

PGA of America Golf Professional Zachary Barbin Wins 50th Pro-Am for Wishes

August 3, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Zachary Barbin Wins 50th Pro-Am for WishesFeatured, PPGA
West Chester, Pennsylvania (August 3, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zachary Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, finished with rounds of 68-66-134 to finish at 8-under-par to win the 50th Pro-Am for Wishes by 3 strokes over Anthony Sebastianelli, PGA, of Whitford Golf Club.

The Pro-Am for Wishes first started in 1976 at Whitford Country Club, and has been held annually at Penn Oaks Golf Club since 2008 (excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) to benefit Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Since the event moved to Penn Oaks, it has raised more than $700,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

In Zachary Barbin’s final round of a 66, he scored six birdies. 

“Today I was trying to make no bogeys, that was my goal”, said Barbin. “That’s been my strategy for the last three tournaments, and I played really well.”

Barbin went on to thank Jesus Christ, his parents, brothers, and wife, Olivia WSFS Bank.

Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club finished third at 4-under-par. Billy Stewart of Union League Liberty Hill and Zachary Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club shared third place at 3-under-par. 

The Senior Division concluded with David Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club winning the division title with rounds of 74-69-143 to finish at 1-over-par. 

Jimmy O’Connor Jr. earned Low Amateur honors with rounds of 72-79-151 at 9-over-par, bettering Shane Klatt and Gary Keymont by 10 and 11 strokes, respectively.

View the full 2026 Pro-Am for Wishes leaderboard by clicking here.

There was a tie in yesterday’s pro-am competition, with Zachary Oakley, Bill Sautter, Anthony Diver, and Dan Missar walking away with the victory alongside Braden Shattuck, Bill Smith, Jimmy O’Connor Sr., and Joe Paris. To read more, click here. 

The Philadelphia PGA Section extends its sincere appreciation to The Delaware Valley Rare Coin Company; Cavan Construction Co. Inc., Tamora Group; Ducklings Early Learning Franchise, and the following supporting sponsors for their generous support of the 50th Pro-Am for Wishes: Ambler Surgical LLC; Blue Mountain Construction; Buchanan Law – Vince Barbera; Carmen Ford; CDTI – Kevin O’Hara; Dalesio and Lee Families; Equity CRE, Inc.; Fenstermacher & Company, PC; Five Star Inc.; H&W Mechanical; Housers Automotive; Italiano Commercial Real Estate Services LLC; Joann Finegan; Land Services USA; Lyons & Hohl; MAI Design; Malany Electric; Martarano Engineering, Inc.; Meridian Bank – Geoff Sheehan; O’Connor Family; Riggs Distler Company; Riley Riper Hollin and Colagreco; Scull Architecture; Sharon Bank; SSH Facilities; Syd and Gina Tyson Foundation; and WSFS Bank.

The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals also thank our host Penn Oaks Golf Club, their owners, membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com